Behind The Lines – Hodge Close Quarry

Behind the Lines (HVS 5a 33m) at Hodge Close Quarry is another climb that I seconded some time ago and have wanted to lead ever since. Being only my third ever 5a lead (the first was Endurance and the second kick Off) I was a little bit psyched but determined to climb well. Dan from the Priestly Centre was again my climbing companion.

We parked the car and looked over at the route which was being climbed by someone (who turned out to be Joe Beaumont), with what seemed like relative ease. We saw the second (Bex Sharp) start up the climb and by the time we had walked over to the finish to ab in, she was already at the top and complaining about the midges – so were we, as I’d left the repellent at home.

We abseiled down to the start. The climb looked steeper than I remembered, and I had thought the initial section headed left but Dan assured me that it started behind the tree then headed left under the overhang. I climbed it pretty well, had a little trouble at the thinnest section where I hadn’t noticed a massive foothold out to the right, but otherwise just really enjoyed this three star route. The climbing is sustained, more on feet than arms and the protection is excellent. Dan climbed it without difficulty, then we headed down through Parrock Quarry to have a look at the routes in the All Weather Gym. Decided to pass on the climbing as we were fed up with being bitten, so instead headed off for a pint of Hawkshead bitter at the Sun in Coniston.